Nashville, Tenn. (April 14, 2014) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager announced today that Barry Trotz’s coaching contract will not be extended and that the organization will immediately begin a search to identify a new head coach for the 2014-15 season. Trotz has been offered a position within the organization’s hockey operations department and will consider his options before making a decision on the position.

“Our organization has high expectations and we have not met them in the past two seasons,” Poile said of making the most difficult decision of his 30-plus year general manager career. “As a result, it is my decision and determination that we need a new voice and a new direction. Our change in direction began over a year ago as we have made several personnel changes, including trading of long-time veteran players and a change to our coaching staff last offseason. Our goal is to return to the playoffs with the ultimate goal of contending for the Stanley Cup. We know that once we get into the playoffs, anything is possible.

“I also want to thank Barry for everything he has done for our franchise. He has been the face and voice of our team for 15 years. He created, developed and lived The Predator Way – on the ice, in the office and in the community. There could be no finer ambassador for the Predators or Nashville than Barry Trotz. He has laid a foundation and culture that will benefit the next coach of the Nashville Predators.”

The search for a new head coach begins immediately with no timetable for completing the search and announcing a new head coach.

“It is most important we get the right individual for our franchise, our team and our community,” Poile said. “We will investigate all options in order to identify the best candidate.”

“We thank Barry for his many contributions to the Predators organization” Chairman of the Predators ownership group Tom Cigarran said. “Barry is an exceptional person and coach. We wish him the very best going forward. We also have great confidence in David Poile’s plan. We support this decision, and believe change is necessary if we are to reach our goals.”

The Nashville Predators will hold a press conference with Barry Trotz and General Manager David Poile in the downstairs media lounge at Bridgestone Arena starting at 3:30 p.m. TODAY (Monday, April 14). The press conference will be covered live at www.nashvillepredators.com

Justin is the author of "The Making of Smashville." An award-winning reporter, in 2013, he received the Silver Medal in the Best Sports Reporter Category for The Tennessean's Toast of Music City reader's poll. In 2014 & 2015, Justin was voted as the Best Sports Reporter in Nashville. In 2014, PenaltyBoxRadio.com received the silver medal as Best Blog in Nashville. In 2015, the website received the award for Best Sports Blog in Music City. In 2016, the site was awarded 2nd place as Best Blog in Nashville. He has been a featured guest on "Inside Sports Sunday on WSMV-TV, "All Things Considered" on NPR, "Road to the Cup" on WKRN-TV, "Sportsline" on NewsC hannel 5+, "Predators Playoffs Today" on ESPN 102.5 The Game, TSN 1290 Winnipeg, Sportsnet 590 The Fan - Toronto, TSN 1260 Edmonton, WGR Sports Radio 550 - Buffalo, and featured in The Ringer, Saturday Down South and The Tennessean. Credentialed by the Nashville Predators, the NHL (Stanley Cup Final, Draft, All Star Game), WCHA and CHL.